Persian winter solstice is celebrated in Iran with Shab-e Yaldâ, a festival dating back to Mithraist traditions in the first century. In Zaroastrian scriptures Mithra is the god of light and truth. After the rise of Islam, Yalda became a joyful social family gathering occasion, with fresh fruit and nuts served as a reminder of thankfullness and celebration [...]
Posts Tagged ‘Persia’
Yalda: the longest night
Posted in Beliefs, Festivals, tagged Iran, Persia, Winter Solstice, Yalda on December 22, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Persian New Year
Posted in Beliefs, History, tagged Iran, Persia on March 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
March 20 th was the first day of spring, the Persian New Year, or Nowrūz in Iran. The festival- dating back to Zoroastrian times- continues to be celebrated, with people dressing as troubadors or Hajo Firuz and wearing making up and bright-colored satin clothing, dancing and making music in the streets, all of which is frowned upon [...]
